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Once-in-a-generation goalgetter Erling Haaland will get a chance to play in his initial international competition in the upcoming season, thanks to his efforts with Norway to the World Cup.

Furthermore, the 25-year-old Manchester City striker achieved it with remarkable fashion, scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifiers - scoring in every match in all those encounters.

This establishes him as the top scorer in 2026 World Cup preliminary stage in all continents.

Moreover, his country's 4-1 win against Italy on Sunday, where Haaland scored twice, ensures they will competing in next summer's World Cup in the American continent.

Haaland, speaking post-game: "I'm happy, but mostly relieved. There's considerable expectation and factors, and I experience it. But it's fun."

It will be only their fourth World Cup, and their premier global event since Euro 2000.

What Significance Was Haaland's Contribution?

The striker's scoring statistics for Norway is nothing short of phenomenal.

He has scored 55 goals in 48 matches for his country.

Furthermore he is just the sixth footballer ever, and the initial one in over five decades, to register 50 finishes in fewer than 50 caps.

Norway's previous leading goalscorer was Jorgen Juve with 33 goals, who maintained that achievement for almost a century.

During these qualifying matches he scored 16 goals - in eight games - plus two goal contributions.

This amounts to double the goals tally any other player has registered in European qualifying.

He stands as the top scorer in these qualifiers in all continents, including ones where national sides participate twice the number of encounters.

Beyond a full year has elapsed since Haaland last failed to score in a match for his country.

Squad Contribution Complementing Haaland

However, it's not just a one-man show.

Skipper Martin Odegaard, 26, has more assists than any other player in UEFA qualification - seven assists.

The Arsenal midfielder has made 67 appearances for Norway since his first appearance at the young age of 15.

"Combine Haaland's success with the fact that in this era we furthermore feature Martin Odegaard," stated a football expert.

We're a country of five million citizens and we have both the top forward and I'd propose the best playmaker, certainly one of the top creators, in the English top flight.

Historical Significance of Successful Qualification

For the first time in many years Norway followers will witness the excitement of backing their squad in global competition.

Their nation competed in the World Cups in 1998, 1994 and 1938, and the 2000 European Championship.

His father, Alf Inge, played at the 1994 World Cup.

The striker has mentioned before being better than his father was a significant personal target for him.

"Norway will never win the World Cup," the striker mentioned to an international magazine earlier this year.

Dodging Historical Oversight

Haaland heading to the global tournament with Norway guarantees he dodges his addition to the collection of iconic athletes who never featured in one.

Three best player awardees couldn't manage to participate in the global tournament.

George Weah, who won trophies with various top teams, played for Liberia - who haven't qualified for a World Cup.

Famous United forward George Best, regarded by numerous as among the best ever, was a Northern Ireland international during the mid-century period when they couldn't secure qualification.

Madrid superstar the Argentine-Spanish star featured for three national teams - Spain, Argentina and Colombia - but never got to a World Cup with any national team.